Contrast the characters, intentions, and actions of the book's various mothers, both biological (Madame Fisher, Karen, Mrs. Michaelis) and spiritual / figurative (Naomi Fisher, Henrietta's grandmother, Leopold's aunts, Karen's Aunt Violet).

Discuss the concept of the archetype. In what ways do the various portrayals of motherhood in the novel reflect the archetype of "the mother"?

In what ways does Madame Fisher's circumstances (illness, being unable to leave her room, the dark oppressiveness of that room - see Part 1, Chapter 4) reflect and/or manifest her character, her actions, and / or the consequences of both?

In what way does the use of Miss Fisher's first name (Naomi) in Section 2 reflect the novel's thematic focus on appearance vs. reality - or, more specifically, the idea that there is always more to a person's life than what they reveal?

Consider the image of "a tree growing out of a...